Scary Hours impresses despite contrast in songs

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Arguably the most popular artist of today, Drake recently released a two-track EP (extended play record) titled Scary Hours on Friday, January 19. The drop features only two songs; “God’s Plan” and “DiplomaticImmunity”. There is great difference in songs, as one of them pleases while the other is average in comparison.

The more trendy of the two songs, “God’s Plan” has already secured the top spot on Billboard’s “The Hot 100” after only a few weeks. Its rhythmic beat and mix between rapping and singing makes it enjoyable for a variety of music listeners.

“God’s Plan” starts off with a very catchy beat, and Drake softly sings the line “Yeah, they wishin’ and wishin’ and wishin’ and wishin’ […]”, a line that is repeated again in the song and ties the entire piece together. Drake begins the first verse with more singing rather than rapping, and the instrumental beat picks up halfway through verse 1. This introduction immediately catches the ear of listeners, making it difficult not to sing along.

The first chorus uses the title of the song multiple times, and is then followed by a post-chorus which leads into verse 2. The second verse begins with a cut in the beat so Drake can sing the now well-known line: “She say, ‘Do you love me?’ I tell her, ‘Only partly’ I only love my bed and my momma, I’m sorry”, which most listeners to the song chant along with Drake. The tune then enters once again in upbeat fashion as the second verse continues. A second chorus and another post-chorus follow, and then the song rides the beat out until the end. The second half of the song is just as engaging as the first half, with variations to the sizzling beat and entertaining verses.

In contrast, “Diplomatic Immunity” is a more typical pop-rap song. Drake dives into his success as an artist, and also raps about his past experiences, but in a non-chronological and somewhat confusing way. The song drags on for over four minutes, and is tiring to listen to by the end. Drake’s rapping is some of his best in recent memory, but it is accompanied by a basic drum and string instrument rap melody which bores listeners.

Drake’s release of Scary Hours is an attempt to remind fans that the Toronto native is still relevant in music today. It also serves to fill the gap between his last album, More Life, which dropped on March 18, 2017 and his next album, which is predicted to release sometime in 2018.

I would give Scary Hours a 3.5/5 rating, as “God’s Plan” is extremely catchy and entertaining, but “Diplomatic Immunity”, despite Drake’s rapping being respectable, lacks the same excitement.

Some new songs or albums I would recommend to those who are captivated by “God’s Plan” and underwhelmed with “Diplomatic Immunity” are Culture II by Migos and the song “I fall apart” by Post Malone.

This school year I am a sophomore, and it is my first year on the Ghostwriter. I enjoy playing sports, and look forward to writing about them this year. I am on the basketball and soccer team for the school, which takes up most of my free time. I consider myself an understanding, intelligent, and...